CANADA DAY: 1,000 area residents attend July 1

Posted By Kate McLaren, The Daily Press

Canada Day saw the biggest birthday party of the year, and Timmins did not disappoint.

"I'm very proud to live in Canada," said 11-year-old Erykah Hickey, taking part in the festivities at the Shania Twain Centre. "It's the most beautiful place to live."

It seems many local residents shared in Hickey's opinion, as hundreds of revellers flocked to the STC to take part in Canada Day celebrations, including a free pancake breakfast courtesy of the McIntyre Coffee Shop, a best-dressed Canadian contest, cake, and half-price gold mine tours.

"This is a nice, big crowd," said Tracy Hautenen, Manager of the STC. "Mother Nature finally co-operated, and I think people are very pleased."

Hautenen explained that although the building is dedicated to Shania Twain, it is also intended for community use.

"Holding the day's events here really allows everyone to celebrate together," she said. "We like to have our events in the morning, so that people can head out and enjoy everything else going on in the city.

"It's a great way to show our pride in the country we live in."

MP Charlie Angus (NDP — Timmins-James Bay) offered his sentiments about living in Canada, but also said as Canadians, we need to stay on top of politics.

"Canada is an extraordinary country," he said. "But on this day, let's not forget that we can't afford to let it run itself."

Following the singing of O' Canada, best-dressed prizes were handed out to devoted Canadians, including five-year-old Morgan MacIver, who had a favourite part of the celebrations.

"I liked the pancakes," she said, adding that for her and her brother, celebrating Canada's birthday is "fun."

Some Canadians go to great lengths to show their national pride, like Sandra Campbell, who painted her entire face, wore hundreds of maple leafs, and even dressed up her toy poodle, Sandy.

"I've been coming here now for about four or five years," she said. "Dressing up is a great way for me to show how proud I am to be Canadian."

The STC celebration also included face painting, a bouncing inflatable, an Elvis impersonator, the Timmins Police Pipes and Drums, and a performance from a group of Scottish dancers.

"We've been doing it for many, many years," said Hautenen. "It's always nicer when it's sunny, but the day is always great, no matter what."

The centre saw about 1,000 partygoers throughout the course of the day.